The success of a mission depends both on partnerships maintained over many years and new partners who contribute to individual missions. Long-term, NOAA funds Aquarius through its National Undersea Research Program. UNC Wilmington operates Aquarius as part of its National Undersea Research Center. During refurbishment in 1996 NOAA's National Data Buoy Center provided the 10-meter diameter discus buoy that became the Aquarius Life Support Buoy.

A new partnership this year is with the U.S. Navy, who provides an on-site Diving Medical Officer (DMO) for every mission (May, July, August). The DMO is a physician with extensive experience in hyperbaric medicine who performs pre- and post-mission medical reviews, and conducts "house calls" to Aquarius to check on the condition of the Aquanauts if medical treatment is needed.

For the current mission, we are working closely with several NOAA programs, including the National Marine Sanctuaries, the Office of Ocean Exploration, and the National Marine Fisheries Service. One aquanaut is with the Reef Environmental Education Foundation. Mote Marine Laboratory is specifically helping with the fish tagging program by providing services related to tracking and recording tag recoveries.

Please visit the websites of our September mission partners

• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
• National Marine Sanctuaries
• Office of Ocean Exploration
• National Undersea Research Program
• Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
• National Marine Fisheries Service - Southeast Regional Office
• Reef Environmental Education Foundation
• Mote Marine Laboratory
• Mote Marine Lab Fisheries Biology Program